Chapter 98

"Jasper sacrificed himself to save me," Sophia began, her voice steady but laden with pain. "He pretended to be abducted so that the ransom demand would focus on both of us. "However, he convinced the kidnappers that our family only cared about boys. He told them taking me was pointless and that I'd just be a burden. So, they let me go." Her voice broke slightly, but she continued, "During the fight between the kidnappers and the police, Jasper was shot and killed." She paused as if the memory was physically painful. "When I arrived, it was already too late. I only got to see him one last time. He looked at me and said, 'Don't cry, Sophie. You're the prettiest girl in the world. I hope you'll have the best life imaginable.'" He had used his life to protect her. Tears streamed down Sophia's face as the memory overwhelmed her. Listening to her, I couldn't stop the sadness that crashed over me. So, that day had been the darkest of her life. No wonder she cried so much. F